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Throughout my life, I've shared my home with dogs, cats, fish, hamsters, a bird and, once, reluctantly, an iguana. I can now add six chickens and three roosters.
I didn't want chickens. I have been told that their eggs attract snakes, and I don't like snakes. I don't care that "good" snakes kill rodents, bugs and "bad" snakes. I don't like any snakes, but I live on Signal Mountain and so do snakes. Fortunately for me, I haven't encountered one on my property. But I'm afraid that will change since I now have chickens. (Snake lovers, don't fret, I'd never harm a snake. I would run. Fast.)
My husband had a long-range plan of raising chickens. The plan was put into action after my daughter and granddaughter moved next door. My husband, an avid gardener, wants our family to be sustainable by growing much of our food.
Our bountiful gardens, vineyard and orchard provide our entire family with rich food throughout the year. And we'll soon have fresh eggs.
Truthfully, I love the idea of living off the earth and growing our own food. I love knowing that my 3-year-old granddaughter already appreciates her grandfather's gardens and that she, too, will learn how to dig and plant.
Meanwhile, our chickens and roosters live in a spacious, comfortable fenced-in pen and heated coop that protects them from any predators, except snakes. I guess it won't be until late spring that I find out if the snake-likes-eggs story is truth or fiction. But, for now, I'm thinking our chickens are pretty cool.
ASK AN EXPERT
Q: Is it cruel to leave my dog in a carrier while I'm at work?
A: Dog-crate training can provide security for your pet and prevent unwanted behaviors while you are at work. Any dog of any age can be trained. Once crate-trained, your dog will feel secure in his new home and will use it as a safe and quiet "den" of his own. However, a few basic rules need to be followed.
First, make sure the crate you choose is big enough for your dog to comfortably turn around and be comfortable standing or sitting. To begin training, the dog should be actively encouraged, but not forced, to enter the crate. Treat it as a natural and obvious place to go, and offer food rewards for entry. Place the dog's bed inside the crate, add an interesting toy and, initially, a small tasty treat, and leave the crate door open. Introduce your dog to the dog crate with a calm approach so there is no obvious drama involved in the crating process.
A crate isn't a magical solution. If not used correctly, a dog can feel trapped and frustrated. Many of the animals that are relinquished at shelters every year are "dumped" because of behavior problems. Crating can help limit many of those, but no tool replaces loving playtime, human interaction and good solid obedience training to create that perfect companion.
-- Karen S. Walsh, LVMT, executive director, McKamey Animal Care and Adoption Center